Question 1

What is Dibutyl Adipate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Accepted Answer

Dibutyl Adipate is a lightweight emollient and solvent. As an emollient it softens the skin and gives the product a smooth, easy slip; as a solvent it helps dissolve oil-soluble UV filters so they spread evenly across the skin. The result is a thinner, less greasy texture than many heavier oils would give.

Question 2

Is Dibutyl Adipate safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at the levels used in skin care. It is a well-established cosmetic emollient with no special restrictions for leave-on products and is widely tolerated. It is not flagged as an allergen in our data, so reactions are uncommon.

Question 3

Does Dibutyl Adipate clog pores?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. It is a light, fast-spreading emollient rather than a heavy occlusive oil, and it is not flagged as comedogenic. As with any emollient, individual skins vary, but it is an unlikely pore-clogging culprit compared with richer oils and butters.

Question 4

What else is Dibutyl Adipate called?

Accepted Answer

On the label it appears under its INCI name, Dibutyl Adipate. Chemically it is the dibutyl ester of adipic acid, which is why you may see it grouped with other ester emollients. It usually sits in the middle of an ingredient list, near the filters and oils it helps dissolve.

Question 5

Is Dibutyl Adipate vegan?

Accepted Answer

It is typically synthetic and made from non-animal raw materials, so it is generally considered suitable for vegan formulas. As always, whether a finished product is certified vegan depends on the brand, but the ingredient itself does not require an animal source.

Dibutyl Adipate

What Dibutyl Adipate is & what it does

What is Dibutyl Adipate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Is Dibutyl Adipate safe?

Does Dibutyl Adipate clog pores?

What else is Dibutyl Adipate called?

Is Dibutyl Adipate vegan?

Sunscreens with Dibutyl Adipate